Marshall Islands Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
Are you a media company, brand, ad agency or production company looking for film / photography production support or shooting crew in the Marshall Islands? Contact us for trusted fixers, producers, directors, DoPs, videographers, photographers, and full shooting crews tailored for the specific needs of your project.
Filming in the Marshall Islands
For an introduction to shooting in the Marshall Islands see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
Marshall Islands Film Locations
The Marshall Islands are a sprawling chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls located in Micronesia, between Hawaii and the Philippines. The country is spread out over 29 low-lying coral atolls, comprising over 1000 islands and islets, covering an area of 750,000 sq miles (1,900,000 km sq), which is roughly the size of Texas. Film locations of note include palm-lined white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, impressive reefs, and nuclear weapons test sites. The island’s waters are home to one of the world’s largest shark sanctuaries.
Agricultural film locations include plantations of coconuts, bananas, and breadfruit. The international shipping industry as a flag of convenience for commercial vessels is an important industry. US government assistance is the economic mainstay.
The Marshall Islands are one of the world’s least-visited and least-filmed countries, offering intrepid filmmakers unique opportunities.
Film locations can be divided into the following islands chains:
Ratak
Located in the east, the Ratak island chain includes the inhabited municipalities of Ailuk Atoll, Arno Atoll, Aur Atoll, Likiep Atoll, Majuro Atoll, Maloelap Atoll, Mejit Island, Mili Atoll, Utirik Atoll, and Wotje Atoll.
Majuro is the capital, the largest population centre, and the main entry point by air. Lagoon Road runs the length of the atoll. Film locations include College of the Marshall Islands, International Convention Center, Alele Museum and Public Library, Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Capitol building which has a modern, glass pyramid shape. Majuro Atoll also has impressive dive sites.
Ralik
Located in the west, the Ralik island chain includes the inhabited municipalities of Ailinglaplap Atoll, Ebon Atoll, Enewetok / Ujelang, Jabat Island, Jaluit Atoll, Kili / Bikini / Ejit, Kwajalein Atoll, Lae Atoll, Lib Island, Namorik Atoll, Namu Atoll, Rongelap Atoll, Ujae Atoll, and Wotho Atoll.
The Marshall Islands are best known for Pacific Proving Grounds locations such as Bikini Atoll and Enewetak Atoll, sites of US nuclear weapons tests in the 1940’s and 50’s. Cactus Dome is an enormous, foot-and-a-half-thick, 100,000-square-foot concrete dome structure built over a radioactive nuclear waste crater located on Runit Island.
Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, located on Kwajalein Atoll, is a current test facility for US missile defence and space research programs. Ebeye on Kwajalein Atoll is the country’s second largest population centre.
Rongelap Atoll has amazing drop-offs and reefs.
Bikini Atoll can now also be safely dived. The lagoon offers a range of US nuclear test wrecks including the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. May to October is the best time for underwater visibility.
Marshall Islands Film Location Permits
Most film location permits are done on the local level. Filming US test facilities will require permission from several US government authorities. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
Long shoot days all year round. The cool, dry season lasts from December to April. This is the best time to shoot for weather. The humid, wet season runs from May to November. This is the best time for underwater photography conditions. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
The Coconut Cup Regatta takes place in March / April.
The Marshall Islands is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in the Marshall Islands.
Unique Local Stories
Did you know?
• Marshallese society is matrilineal, so land is passed down from generation to generation through the mother.
• The Marshall Islands were the first country in the world to issue their own national cryptocurrency, the Sovereign.
• As climate change continues to cause more frequent storm surges and floods, many of the islands are in danger of becoming uninhabitable.
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. The Marshall Islands trade in the USD. Locations and talent costs themselves are inexpensive but since no filming infrastructure exists, all crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad. Most productions shoot in the Marshall Islands for specific reasons only. If you’re looking for South Pacific paradise island looks it’s possible to find these in less expensive and better serviced countries. In any case, our Marshallese fixer will negotiate local deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget.
The Marshall Islands were the first country in the world to issue their own national cryptocurrency, the Sovereign.
Tax Incentives. There are no tax incentives for foreign feature films or commercials shooting in the Marshall Islands.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. English is widely spoken. Local fixers and basic camera crew are available locally. All other crews need to be brought in.
Contact us if you are looking for a director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew for your shoot in the Marshall Islands.
Talent day rates and buyouts are negotiated on a personal basis.
Marshallese and English are the official languages and both are widely spoken.
The Marshallese, a Micronesian people, are the main ethnic group. All other talent looks need to be brought in from abroad.
Marshall Islands Film Equipment
Equipment. All camera, grip and lighting equipment needs to be brought in to the Marshall Islands.
Communication. Internet access is limited.
Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art Department and set construction are very minimal.
Studios and Backlots don’t exist.
Post Production. None available locally.
Visas & Work Permits
Politically, the Marshall Islands are a republic with very close ties to the United States.
Visiting crews travelling on western passports can enter the Marshall islands visa-free or with visas on arrival. There are no specific work permits required for filming.
Crews wishing to travel to Kwajalein are required to hold an Entry Authorization issued by the US Military.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Local vehicle rental facilities exist on Majuro. A limited number of flights are available to Marshall Islands International Airport and between islands. Given the vast distances between islands travel by plane or charter boat is recommended. See here for travel information around the Marshall Islands.
Accommodation. See here for film friendly hotels in the Marshall Islands. Please contact us for special rates. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. Crack open a coconut and enjoy the slow pace of island life. Local dishes of note include taituuj, jaajmi, and kwanjin.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in the Marshall Islands, please see below:
Hire Marshall Islands Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in the Marshall Islands, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in the Marshall Islands, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
